Rahul on 2G scam: Don't think PM is in an embarrassing position

New Delhi: Under fire from the Opposition for not making a public statement on the 2G spectrum scam, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has his party firmly rallying behind him.

Congress General Secretary Rahul Gandhi today said that the PM is not in an embarrassing position following the Supreme Court's observation in the 2G case.

The country's top court has asked for an affidavit to be filed by Saturday on behalf of the Prime Minister which explains why he took close to a year to respond to a request for the prosecution of former Telecom Minister A Raja for allegedly orchestrating the massive 2G scam. (Read: Court wants affidavit on PM's behalf)

"The matter is extremely serious," the court said. Earlier this week, referring to the PM, the court had said, "The alleged inaction and silence is worrying us."

Ever since the apex court made these observations, the Opposition has only one demand - the Prime Minister should speak up, not just in court but also in Parliament.

But sources in the PMO say, "It would be inappropriate for the PM to make any statement outside the Supreme Court. Whatever he has to say, he will say through a proper channel in court. If he makes a statement outside, then new questions would be raised".

Sources also add that the PM was not legally bound to respond to Subramanian Swamy's letter complaining against Raja and he could not have sanctioned the prosecution of Raja without a proper probe.

The Congress has held that the Supreme Court's observation is not a stricture by any stretch of imagination.

Ruckus in Parliament

The Opposition again created ruckus over the 2G scam in Parliament on Friday. They stuck to their demand for a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) probe into the 2G scam, which the government has rejected. Soon after both Houses of Parliament convened for the day, they were adjourned till Monday.

Speaking to NDTV, AIADMK leader Maitreyan said the Prime Minister must explain his stand in the 2G case. "If the government adjourns sine die, they will be responsible." (Watch: PM must explain his stand, says V Maitreyan)

The BJP charged the Prime Minister with sacrificing the interests of the nation for the sake of survival of the government. The party's leader in the Rajya Sabha, Arun Jaitley, said the DMK and A Raja seem to have been arm-twisting the government and the PM. (Watch: PM a 'prisoner of coalition politics', says BJP)

The government however, is in no mood to give in. The Congress rejected reports that the government was planning to cut the winter session short.

"The government is not running away from Parliament. If anyone is doing it, it is the Opposition. The government has said many times before that we are ready to discuss all issues," said Congress Spokesperson Manish Tiwari.

"The BJP has two standards of corruption- one for Commonwealth Games and 2G spectrum scam and another one for Yeddyurappa's land grab who is heading the land mafia in Karnataka. The onus of running the House is on every politcal party, every member of Parliament," he added.

Since the Winter Session began, hardly any work has been done with the Opposition creating ruckus over various scams.

Attorney General to represent PM

The government, meanwhile, has decided to get the top legal officer of the country to present the PM's case in the apex court. Attorney General of India GE Vahanvati will represent the PM in Supreme Court on Tuesday.

The court had made very strong remarks yesterday on concealing facts and the affidavit will put on record the Prime Minister's stand on the issue.

Solicitor General Gopal Subramanium who appeared for the PM till yesterday said, "I will continue to represent the central government and the Department of Telecom on the issue while the Attorney General will represent the Prime Minister."

Raja was forced to resign on Sunday after a report by the government's auditor found him guilty of costing the country close to Rs. 1.76 lakh crore by undervaluing 2G spectrum in 2008, and circumventing the rules to award the spectrum to companies that he favoured, and who presented incorrect information to win licenses at throwaway prices.